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Amsterdam Falafel’s namesake order.
Amsterdam Falafel

16 Excellent, Affordable Dining Options in the D.C. Area

Tacos, hefty sandwiches, and hot pots for a fraction of what it costs to eat elsewhere

by Tim Ebner Updated
1 comment / new
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Amsterdam Falafel’s namesake order.
| Amsterdam Falafel
by Tim Ebner Updated
1 comment / new

D.C.’s is an expensive city to live in, and expense account-driven restaurants and tasting menu-only establishments that dot the local landscape certainly don’t help. Fortunately, D.C. is also home to lots of budget-friendly options covering all kinds of cuisines.

This list looks beyond pricey Michelin spots and review-laden heavy hitters. It’s a roundup of trusted eateries — serving everything from spicy hot pots to tacos and reliable happy hour specials that cost less than a Starbucks latte — that satisfy without draining the wallet. Here are 16 cheap bets in and around the District.

Don’t see a personal favorite on the list? Post in the comments or shoot us an email (dc@eater.com).

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Quarry House Tavern

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This is one of Silver Spring’s oldest bars, and it keeps prices low to inflation-proof levels. The bar focuses on Maryland craft beer. Find Baltimore’s Peabody Heights pints of Old Oriole Park for $2.95 at happy hour. Bar snacks like tots, nachos, and friend onion rings are all under $5. Best of all, the live music and vintage, dive bar vibes are free to enjoy.

8401 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 844-5504
(301) 844-5504

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Pupuseria La Familiar (Multiple locations)

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This Salvadoran pupuseria has three locations (College Park, Wheaton, and New Carrollton), and is one of the region’s cheapest options for masa stuffed with cheese and other ingredients. There are traditional pupusas, like revuelta, as well as offbeat options like a ham and cheese pupusa. The spot also has a huge menu of other affordable options, from soups to grilled platters.

8145 Baltimore Ave K, College Park, MD 20740
(301) 474-8484
(301) 474-8484

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Mezcalero Cocina Mexicana

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The owners of El Sol also have an agave-fueled bar that sells regional dishes from different corners of Mexico, including huitlacoche, esquites, tacos, and ceviches ranging from $9 to $13.50 for lunch or dinner. Meanwhile, happy hour-priced tequila and mezcal margaritas won’t run you more than a few bucks. There’s a location in Alexandria as well.

3714 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010
(202) 815-4789
(202) 815-4789

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Amsterdam Falafelshop (Multiple locations)

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This homegrown chain of meat-free, fast-casual restaurants serves fried falafel dressed with nearly two dozen toppings, plus French fries. The L’Enfant Plaza location is temporarily closed, but the AdMo location turns out stuffed falafel sandwiches and bowls from 11:30 a.m. to late seven days a week.

2425 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 234-1969
(202) 234-1969

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A. Litteri

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In addition to offering the best Italian wine selection outside of Italy, this iconic Northeast market/deli serves delicious (and affordable) subs and hot sandwiches like chicken parm that range from $5.99 to $9.55. A. Litteri also serves lasagna, pasta, and soups.

517 Morse St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 544-0184
(202) 544-0184

Julia's Empanadas (Multiple locations)

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This global bakery specializes in baked hand pies ($6 each) served throughout the day. Favorites include a Jamaican-style, curried beef-filled offering, the stewed chicken-packed saltena, and a vegetarian option.

1221 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 861-8828
(202) 861-8828

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The Well Dressed Burrito

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Despite its hidden placement behind a nondescript metal door in an alleyway, the decades-old Well Dressed Burrito does a ton of business. Assorted variations of the namesake dish at this Dupont Circle grab-and-go standby start at $7 a pop.

1220 19th St NW, Washington, DC 22036
(202) 293-0515
(202) 293-0515

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Chef Geoff's (Multiple locations)

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For a reliable happy hour in a bistro-like setting, Chef Geoff’s has happy hour specials that can’t be beat. Enormous mugs of beer go for $10 and wines are priced at $7 a glass. The food menu is also discounted, including a wide ranging burger menu for $5 and pizza and tacos for $4. Happy hour runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. A second location is adjacent to American University.

2201 M St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20037
(202) 524-7815
(202) 524-7815

Wiseguy NY Pizza (Multiple locations)

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When nothing but a big, two-handed slice of New York-style pizza will do, consider this local pizzeria. There’s also impressive garlic knots and a menu of cauliflower crust pies for gluten-free folks.

300 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 408-7800
(202) 408-7800

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Chinatown Express

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Customers and passersby often stop to look at the noodles and dumplings being made by hand at this long-standing Chinatown spot. The steamed buns, dumplings, and fresh noodle soups are the move here.

746 6th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 638-0424
(202) 638-0424
Steamed pork buns.
Steamed pork buns are a favorite at Chinatown Express.
Chinatown Express

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Pho 75

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This Arlington standby serves among the region’s best pho. What Pho75 may lack in atmosphere and service it more than makes up for in generous bowls of steaming rice noodle soup, with flavorful broth and fresh toppings.

1721 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 525-7355
(703) 525-7355
Piping hot pho from Pho 75.
Pho 75

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Bayou Bakery

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Pastry chef-turned-restaurateur David Guas has been serving cooked-to-order beignets for almost a decade at his Arlington restaurant and cafe, and the price is a very reasonable $3.75 for an order of three sugar-dusted, New Orleans-style fritters. This bake shop also serves solid, affordable sandwiches and breakfasts, like the $9 avocado Benedict.  

1515 N Courthouse Rd, Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 243-2410
(703) 243-2410

Also featured in:

Mala Tang

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The late-night destination for bubbling Asian hot pot also offers a subscribe-and-save “Hot Pot Club” incentive for repeat customers.

3434 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 243-2381
(703) 243-2381

Also featured in:

Open Crumb

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For one of the best chicken sandwiches around, head to historic Anacostia to try chef Peter Opare’s best seller. The wallet-pleasing $6 order is even cheaper than those fried chicken chains. The takeout restaurant also offers West African staples like Ghanaian peanut soup and goat stew.

1243 Good Hope Rd SE, Washington, D.C., DC 20020
(202) 610-9979
(202) 610-9979

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Banh Mi DC Sandwich

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The traditional Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches at this cherished Falls Church eatery are equal parts affordable and fantastic. The extensive sandwich menu averages about $6.95 each.

3103 Graham Rd #C, Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 205-9300
(703) 205-9300
Banh Mi Bi
Banh Mi sandwiches are affordable and filling at Banh Mi DC.
Banh Mi DC Sandwich

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Nighthawk Brewery & Pizza

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Noted chef Johnny Spero put together a Midwest tavern-style pizza menu that also plays favorites to some Italian subs and sandwiches that start at $18 for pies and $14 for burgers and sandwiches. The deal is sweetened at happy hour. A New York-style slice and full-pour beer (from Aslin Beer Company) is just $8. Happy runs Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

1201 S Joyce St C10, Arlington, VA 22202
(571) 416-8100
(571) 416-8100

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Quarry House Tavern

8401 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910

This is one of Silver Spring’s oldest bars, and it keeps prices low to inflation-proof levels. The bar focuses on Maryland craft beer. Find Baltimore’s Peabody Heights pints of Old Oriole Park for $2.95 at happy hour. Bar snacks like tots, nachos, and friend onion rings are all under $5. Best of all, the live music and vintage, dive bar vibes are free to enjoy.

8401 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 844-5504
(301) 844-5504

Pupuseria La Familiar (Multiple locations)

8145 Baltimore Ave K, College Park, MD 20740

This Salvadoran pupuseria has three locations (College Park, Wheaton, and New Carrollton), and is one of the region’s cheapest options for masa stuffed with cheese and other ingredients. There are traditional pupusas, like revuelta, as well as offbeat options like a ham and cheese pupusa. The spot also has a huge menu of other affordable options, from soups to grilled platters.

8145 Baltimore Ave K, College Park, MD 20740
(301) 474-8484
(301) 474-8484

Mezcalero Cocina Mexicana

3714 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

The owners of El Sol also have an agave-fueled bar that sells regional dishes from different corners of Mexico, including huitlacoche, esquites, tacos, and ceviches ranging from $9 to $13.50 for lunch or dinner. Meanwhile, happy hour-priced tequila and mezcal margaritas won’t run you more than a few bucks. There’s a location in Alexandria as well.

3714 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010
(202) 815-4789
(202) 815-4789

Amsterdam Falafelshop (Multiple locations)

2425 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

This homegrown chain of meat-free, fast-casual restaurants serves fried falafel dressed with nearly two dozen toppings, plus French fries. The L’Enfant Plaza location is temporarily closed, but the AdMo location turns out stuffed falafel sandwiches and bowls from 11:30 a.m. to late seven days a week.

2425 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 234-1969
(202) 234-1969

A. Litteri

517 Morse St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

In addition to offering the best Italian wine selection outside of Italy, this iconic Northeast market/deli serves delicious (and affordable) subs and hot sandwiches like chicken parm that range from $5.99 to $9.55. A. Litteri also serves lasagna, pasta, and soups.

517 Morse St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 544-0184
(202) 544-0184

Julia's Empanadas (Multiple locations)

1221 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

This global bakery specializes in baked hand pies ($6 each) served throughout the day. Favorites include a Jamaican-style, curried beef-filled offering, the stewed chicken-packed saltena, and a vegetarian option.

1221 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 861-8828
(202) 861-8828

The Well Dressed Burrito

1220 19th St NW, Washington, DC 22036

Despite its hidden placement behind a nondescript metal door in an alleyway, the decades-old Well Dressed Burrito does a ton of business. Assorted variations of the namesake dish at this Dupont Circle grab-and-go standby start at $7 a pop.

1220 19th St NW, Washington, DC 22036
(202) 293-0515
(202) 293-0515

Chef Geoff's (Multiple locations)

2201 M St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20037

For a reliable happy hour in a bistro-like setting, Chef Geoff’s has happy hour specials that can’t be beat. Enormous mugs of beer go for $10 and wines are priced at $7 a glass. The food menu is also discounted, including a wide ranging burger menu for $5 and pizza and tacos for $4. Happy hour runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. A second location is adjacent to American University.

2201 M St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20037
(202) 524-7815
(202) 524-7815

Wiseguy NY Pizza (Multiple locations)

300 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

When nothing but a big, two-handed slice of New York-style pizza will do, consider this local pizzeria. There’s also impressive garlic knots and a menu of cauliflower crust pies for gluten-free folks.

300 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 408-7800
(202) 408-7800

Chinatown Express

746 6th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Customers and passersby often stop to look at the noodles and dumplings being made by hand at this long-standing Chinatown spot. The steamed buns, dumplings, and fresh noodle soups are the move here.

746 6th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 638-0424
(202) 638-0424
Steamed pork buns.
Steamed pork buns are a favorite at Chinatown Express.
Chinatown Express

Pho 75

1721 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209

This Arlington standby serves among the region’s best pho. What Pho75 may lack in atmosphere and service it more than makes up for in generous bowls of steaming rice noodle soup, with flavorful broth and fresh toppings.

1721 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 525-7355
(703) 525-7355
Piping hot pho from Pho 75.
Pho 75

Bayou Bakery

1515 N Courthouse Rd, Arlington, VA 22201

Pastry chef-turned-restaurateur David Guas has been serving cooked-to-order beignets for almost a decade at his Arlington restaurant and cafe, and the price is a very reasonable $3.75 for an order of three sugar-dusted, New Orleans-style fritters. This bake shop also serves solid, affordable sandwiches and breakfasts, like the $9 avocado Benedict.  

1515 N Courthouse Rd, Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 243-2410
(703) 243-2410

Mala Tang

3434 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

The late-night destination for bubbling Asian hot pot also offers a subscribe-and-save “Hot Pot Club” incentive for repeat customers.

3434 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 243-2381
(703) 243-2381

Open Crumb

1243 Good Hope Rd SE, Washington, D.C., DC 20020

For one of the best chicken sandwiches around, head to historic Anacostia to try chef Peter Opare’s best seller. The wallet-pleasing $6 order is even cheaper than those fried chicken chains. The takeout restaurant also offers West African staples like Ghanaian peanut soup and goat stew.

1243 Good Hope Rd SE, Washington, D.C., DC 20020
(202) 610-9979
(202) 610-9979

Banh Mi DC Sandwich

3103 Graham Rd #C, Falls Church, VA 22042

The traditional Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches at this cherished Falls Church eatery are equal parts affordable and fantastic. The extensive sandwich menu averages about $6.95 each.

3103 Graham Rd #C, Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 205-9300
(703) 205-9300
Banh Mi Bi
Banh Mi sandwiches are affordable and filling at Banh Mi DC.
Banh Mi DC Sandwich

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Nighthawk Brewery & Pizza

1201 S Joyce St C10, Arlington, VA 22202

Noted chef Johnny Spero put together a Midwest tavern-style pizza menu that also plays favorites to some Italian subs and sandwiches that start at $18 for pies and $14 for burgers and sandwiches. The deal is sweetened at happy hour. A New York-style slice and full-pour beer (from Aslin Beer Company) is just $8. Happy runs Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

1201 S Joyce St C10, Arlington, VA 22202
(571) 416-8100
(571) 416-8100

Related Maps